Hostels in BRAZZAVILLE, REPUBLIC OF CONGO

City Brazzaville in Republic of Congo- The Financial Nerve Centre Of Congo

Brazzaville, the capital city of the Republic of the Congo is located on the Congo River. It is the administrative and financial hub of Congo and is the home of one third of population of the country. Well known for its wooded hinterlands and the savannahs, the city is a popular tourist spot as well.

Accommodation Options
Brazzaville has a range of accommodation options from the lavish resorts and star hotels to the budget hotels and youth hostels. Most of which have no booking fees and  offer amenities like clean rooms, shower facilities, TV and parking space among others. There are many hotels in and around the city centre which offers safe and comfortable stay. As street crimes and thefts are common, the travellers should take care not to venture out alone at night.

History
The city was founded in 1880 at the original site of a Bateke village named Nkuna by an explorer, Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza, after whom the city is named. The local leader Makoko of the Téké signed a treaty of protection with the French and the city was built four year later by the Belgians. The French control over the land was made official in 1884 when it was made the capital of French Congo.

Popular Places
Brazzaville has many interesting tourist attractions including the St. Anne’s Basilica, built by Roger Erell in 1949, which is considered as one of the most beautiful churches in the world. The colonial palace of Palais Du Peuple, which is now the presidential palace, is another important landmark of this city.

Getting Around
Taxis are the most common types of accommodation option and shared taxis are one of the cheapest and the most popular means of getting around in this city. The small city of Brazzaville can be explored on foot as well. Ferry services to cities like Kinshasa across the river are another mode of transport. Hire a guide to save time and effort.

Places of Entertainment
Brazzaville has a happening nightlife and the Poto Poto suburb is a hot spot for night time activities. A lively spot with a rich smattering of small bars, night clubs and restaurants, it is a favourite hangout spot for foreign tourists as well. People throng here to soak up the outgoing African atmosphere and to listen to the live Congolese music.

Apart from the official French language, the people in city communicate in Lingala, Monokutuba, Kiyaka and many other languages.

Currency
The official currency of Brazzaville is Congolese franc (CDF), which is made up of 100 centime with 1, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cent coins. Bureau de change  are available in banks and travel desks and the latest exchange rates can be accessed from the internet news.